New York Islanders: On the Clock, Part II―Jonathan Huberdeau

In this second installment of Isles On the Clock, we take a look at Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL).

Huberdeau isn't the fastest player on the ice, but he sure can score goals.

Last season he potted just 15, but he nearly tripled that total in 2010-11, netting 43 tallies in 67 games for the Sea Dogs.

Huberdeau also has a nifty set of hands, excellent vision and strong playmaking ability. Think Ryan Strome, but better. I think he definitely has more upside than Strome and is a safer bet to succeed at the NHL level.

Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant (a former Islanders assistant coach) had this to say about Huberdeau:

"He's a quality, character kid. He competes both ways, battles for those goals around the net and competes hard in every situation."

You know the Isles will be taking character into account, as they have done with virtually every player they've drafted with Garth Snow at the helm.

I don't know that he'll for sure be available when the Islanders GM steps up to the podium, but, should Huberdeau remain on the board, he might simply be too good to pass on. That being said, if the Isles do pick him, it would tell me they're concerned about Josh Bailey.

It's also unlikely that the Islanders would trade for a top-four draft position just to nab him. Doing so would not be worth the price, especially when you consider that whether it's Huberdeau or Strome, they'll still be getting a quality prospect.

They'd rather have Strome and keep the current roster intact, as opposed to parting with certain pieces just to get Jonathan Huberdeau.

Nonetheless, he certainly has the potential to be a good hockey player, and would be an excellent addition to this team.